Search

The theme desertification is relatively new, but the problem is old, regions sub humid and susceptible to drought, arid and semi-arid are victims of this natural process in terms of potentiating its features, but mostly just being accelerated by the actions anthropogenic human. This literature review aims to make a diagnosis and evaluation of the desertification process, emphasizing the state of Paraíba highlighting the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, and the rate of degradation of it, and identify what actions are being taken to combat this process.

The cooperatives and beekeeping activity play a key role in social and economic development of small producers, therefore aimed to study the environmental and socio-economic development of family farming cooperative of beekeepers in the municipality of Catole do Rocha, PB. The study was conducted in the microregion of Catole do Rocha in Paraiba State. Data were obtained through questionnaires and semi-structured, applied directly to the farmers and leaders, in this case, the presidents of associations of beekeepers of the communities studied. Data from the survey were analyzed using percentage calculations. Beekeepers associated are the proper community, or from the rural area of another municipality, showing a very small illiteracy rate, and even producers with higher education. The agricultural activities represent only 20% of average household income and the non-agricultural sources of income more frequent retirement or pension. The productivity and credibility of beekeeping have been growing considerably in recent years; there is an increased diversity of products and processing of honey. The institution currently more active in encouraging beekeeping is SEBRAE, and others like EMBRAPA and SENAR. Sustainability of activity were obtained average values, above average, but still not satisfactory, being necessary support measures and training for these producers especially in regard to preserving the environment.